The Centre for Security Consciousness Initiative (CSCI Africa) has inaugurated its Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the South-East Nigeria Security and Strategic Leadership Summit 2026.

This is with a call for enhanced security consciousness as a foundation for socio-economic development.

The inauguration, which took place on Saturday at Heritage Villa Hotels, Abakaliki, brought together Igbo leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and development partners.

Stanley-Duke Ngene, founder of CSCI Africa and chief executive officer of AnyanwuConnect Limited, described security consciousness as a critical pillar for national growth.

According to Mr Ngene, no society can prosper in an atmosphere of fear and instability.

“Security consciousness is more than vigilance; it is the moral compass of a society, without which, development is fragile and unity is compromised,” he said.

Mr Ngene highlighted the organisation’s vision of an ideal Igbo society anchored on unity, collaboration, and mutual support among communities.

He noted that since its establishment on May 1, 2023, CSCI Africa had recorded significant milestones, including the launch of pilot security projects in Ebonyi and the implementation of the Okposi Ezinasato Project in March 2024.

“The e-project combined research-based security strategies with economic empowerment and culminated in a peace summit involving community leaders, political actors, and security agencies.

“We trained over 150 individuals free of charge across more than six African countries, equipping them with skills for resilience and self-reliance,” Mr Ngene explained.

On education, he said CSCI Africa’s partnerships with international organisations, including BYU-Pathway Worldwide and RADIUS Pay4me App, had enabled thousands of Nigerians to access foreign scholarships, international payment platforms, and remote job opportunities.

Mr Ngene added that between 2023 and 2025, over 50 students in Abakaliki earned more than N400,000 monthly through such opportunities, contributing to economic growth.

The CSCI Africa founder also emphasised the importance of agriculture through its collaboration with the Farmers Support Initiative (UK), aimed at promoting sustainable farming and improving food security.

Mr Ngene urged stakeholders to commit to collaboration, grassroots engagement, and actionable resolutions that would strengthen security and leadership structures in the region.

“As we inaugurate this committee, we must recognise that security consciousness is not optional but essential for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development,” he said.

The summit is expected to produce strategic recommendations aimed at improving security architecture and fostering socio-economic growth in the South-East and Nigeria at large. 

(NAN)